16 Days of Activism is an annual global movement that kicks off on 25 November; the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, International Human Rights Day. This movement which the United Nations has implemented draws attention to the international fight against violence against women and children.
During these 16 Days, various international days of awareness focus on organizations that assist, support and educate; to stop violence against women and children.
On 17 June 2020, when President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the country, President Ramaphosa said: “As a country, we find ourselves in the midst of not one, but two, devastating epidemics. Although very different in their nature and cause, they can both be overcome – if we work together, if we each take personal responsibility for our actions and if we each take care of each other”.
Let’s do our part, by being activists against GBV in our homes, communities, and work environment. Report abusers, be sensitive and supportive to victims, protect all children from exposure to violence and harmful content and try to seek personal help to change harmful behaviour. By these few actions, we can brighten the world for women and children and commit ourselves towards a violence free country.
Report Abuse | Contact Information |
Child Welfare South Africa | 074 080 8315 or email info@childwelfaresa.co.za |
Childline | 08000 55 555 |
Gender Based Violence Command Centre | 0800 428 428 or dial *120*786# |
Halt Elder Abuse Line (Heal) | 0800 003 081 or email action@actiononelderabusesa.co.za |
Human Trafficking helpline | 08000 737 283 (08000 rescue) / 082 455 3664 |
LifeLine 24-hour crisis helpline | 0800 150 150 |
Report neglect or abuse of a child | 0861 4 CHILD (24453) |
SAPS | 08600 10111 |
Stop Gender Violence helpline | 0800 150 150 |
If you’re a witness and are afraid for your safety for reasons linked to being a witness, you can apply for witness protection. Contact the Witness Protection Unit at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on 012 845 6000
Assistance for Victims | Contact Information |
Families South Africa (Famsa) | 011 975 7106/7 |
Frida Hartley Shelter | 011 648 6005 or email: Cheryl@fridahartley.org |
People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa) | 011 642 4345 |
Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust | English: 021 447 9762 isiXhosa: 021 361 9085 Afrikaans: 021 633 9229 Whatsapp support line: 083 222 5164 |
Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and children | 021 633 5287 |
Tears Foundation | 010 590 5920 Or Free helpline number: *134*7355# |
The Trauma Centre | 021 465 7373 |
Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre (TLAC) | 011 403 4267/060 800 0139 or email tshwaranang@tlac.org.za |
Self-help Organizations | Contact Information |
Alcoholics Anonymous Helplines | 0861 HELPAA (435 722) |
Narcotics Anonymous SA Helplines / Drug Rehab Centres | 083 900 MY NA (083 900 69 62) |
South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) | 011 892 3829 WhatsApp: 076 535 1701 |
The Anger and Stress Management Centre | 081 336 3828 |
Public Donations | Contact Information |
1000 women 1 voice | 1000women.co.za/donate/ |
Lawyers against Abuse (LvA) | givengain.com/cause/8010/ |
Sonke Gender Justice | genderjustice.org.za/project/policy-development-advocacy/stop-gender-violence-national-campaign/ |